While having an abortion is a choice, it is a heartbreaking one that no woman takes lightly. Because of this and the increasing spotlight on the very real, abortion coercion and post abortion syndrome, I am highlighting pregnancy and infant loss in this article.

In addition to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October is the time for the equally important Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Former President Ronald Reagan designated the month on October 25, 1988. It is observed in the United States, Canada, and the U.K. with remembrance ceremonies and candle light vigils, ending with the International Wave of Light, a worldwide lighting of candles.

In 2002, Robyn Bear, and Lisa Brown, campaigned together, petitioning the federal government to make October 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. By October 15, 2002, 20 states had signed proclamations to do just that. Currently, all 50 states have proclamations.

Ms. Bear and Ms. Brown also created a website dedicated to remembering babies lost in pregnancy and infancy. The site features resources for grief, a list of places featuring observations of pregnancy and infant loss, and even a store that carries all kinds of ways to memorialize your loss.

My favorite part of the remembrances of the day is the International Wave of Light.

The International Wave of Light invites participants from around the world to light a candle in honor of PAILRD, starting at 7pm on October 15 in their respective time zones, and to leave the candle burning for at least an hour. The result is a continuous wave of light that ranges from one end of the globe to another for a 24 hour period in honor and remembrance of the children.

I plan to, as I do every year, to light my candle at 7pm and join the Wave of Light. If you or a loved one has gone through pregnancy or infant loss, I urge you to do the same. It is a very cathartic way to grieve, honor and remember the ones we have lost, and is even more special knowing so many join us across the world at the same time.

I will be reminding everyone of this special event in next week’s newsletter, and article, as well as updating it on my Facebook and Twitter.